Definitions

indulgence

[in-duhl-juhns] / ɪnˈdʌl dʒəns /

NOUN

luxury; gratification

Synonyms

STRONGEST

extravagance kindness leniency permissiveness privilege

STRONG

allowance appeasement attention courtesy endurance excess favor fondling fondness forbearance fulfillment goodwill hedonism immoderation intemperance intemperateness lenience pampering partiality patience petting pleasing profligacy satiation satisfaction service spoiling tolerance toleration understanding

WEAK

babying coddling favoring gratifying kowtowing placating profligateness toadying treating

Antonyms

STRONG

disapproval disfavor disregard dissatisfaction frustration intolerance need want

WEAK

abstention care moderation temperance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Across the Humber Bridge in Cleethorpes, Jamie Dawson, sales assistant at Sweet Indulgence, says people still like the old traditions, such as visiting sweet shops.

From BBC • Aug. 10, 2025

A year after major controversy and protests over an award for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Dodgers are holding their LGBTQ+ Pride Night on Friday.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2024

“The Eureka House of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence unreservedly condemns the behavior alleged in police reports,” the group said in a statement sent to The Daily Wire.

From Washington Times • Sep. 14, 2023

Here are columns by David Brooks on the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Jamelle Bouie on Donald Trump’s management style and Farhad Manjoo on conspiracy theorists.

From New York Times • Jun. 23, 2023

He defended the Declaration of Indulgence the same year, and made himself useful in supporting the court policy.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 6 "Dodwell" to "Drama" by Various

Vocabulary lists containing indulgence

Eat Your Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Monster

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize in Literature

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!